ZeroFox Intelligence Flash Report - Middle East-Sweden Quran Protests

Product Serial: F-2023-07-21a

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In this flash report, ZeroFox’s Geopolitical Working Group provides updates on the unrest in the Middle East and other fallout stemming from the recent demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, which desecrated the Quran.

Standing Intelligence Requirements

Geopolitical and Physical GEO

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Key Findings

On July 20 and 21, 2023, ZeroFox’s Geopolitical Working Group observed protests breaking out in multiple Middle Eastern countries against Sweden’s decision to allow a Stockholm protester to desecrate the Quran. A July 20 protest in Baghdad resulted in hundreds of protesters storming and setting fire to the Swedish embassy before being dispersed by police using water cannons. July 21 protests in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon attracted thousands of participants but passed largely peacefully. Tensions remain high, with multiple Middle Eastern countries registering diplomatic protests and Iraq expelling Sweden’s ambassador altogether. Sweden’s government has condemned the desecration of the Quran but has allowed it on free speech grounds.